Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir displays a deep garnet color, with aromas of black tea and dark berries that are complemented by hints of graphite and mushroom. The palate is harmonious and balanced, featuring flavors of blackberry, black olive and blood orange. This wine has a robust and firm texture, with a bright and savory finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Winemaker Darrin Low blends Pinot from two estate vineyards, 83% from Dach and 17% from Walraven, to make the 2021 Pinot Noir Estate, which is nicely perfumed in rose and lavender. Balanced between sweet summer strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry flavors, it offers a hint of baking spice and earthy forest floor around a core of soft, supple tannins and a lengthy finish. The acidity is ample enough to support aging for another 8-10 years.
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine is opulent, with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, dark plum, orange zest and notes of dried sage on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, pink grapefruit segments, vanilla cream and Red Vines, intertwined with dried tobacco, bittersweet chocolate and a dry, long finish.
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Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate is a gorgeous, complex wine. Dark-toned fruit, iron, spice, new leather and licorice are some of the many notes that inform this potent Pinot Noir. The 2021 will benefit from a few years in bottle, as the tannins are pretty imposing in the early going.
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James Suckling
This brings freshness, charm and a good sense of juicy ripeness. Plump red and black cherries, raspberries and light cinnamon accents on the palate. A medium to full body laced with good acidity and gentle tannins for linearity. From organically grown grapes.
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Wine Spectator
A nicely focused red, with an alluring beam of iris, anise, hibiscus and mulberry that streams through, with sleek precision. Offers a lingering, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2031.
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Decanter
This wine is from an assortment of estate Anderson Valley vineyard sites. The aromas are pleasing and fresh, with redolent notes of strawberries and sweet cherries. The palate is consistent, with piquant notes of blood orange and dried anise framing fresh strawberry flesh and touches of sea spray minerality.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.